14 Migrants Found in Freezing Container at Irish Port
Irish authorities have launched a human trafficking probe after 14 people were discovered locked inside a shipping container at Rosslare Europort, County Wexford. The container arrived on a ferry from Zeebrugge at 3 a.m. on Monday.
Gardaí Acted on UK Warning
The Irish police, known as Gardaí, were tipped off by UK counterparts about the container’s arrival. They prepared to intercept the vessel and rescue those trapped inside.
The group includes nine men, three women, and two young girls. Medics confirmed all are in good health after initial checks.
Victims from Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, and Turkey
Reports say the migrants hail from various countries including Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, and Turkey. Many are Kurdish, escaping dangerous conditions back home.
The discovery followed a distress call from a Kurdish woman trapped inside the container. The captain ordered a thorough search after Cornwall police were alerted.
Humanitarian Aid and Investigation Underway
The migrants are now in the care of Ireland’s International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) and child welfare agency Tusla.
Gardaí in Wexford lead the trafficking investigation with support from the Garda National Immigration Bureau. They are working with UK, French, and Belgian police, plus Europol and Interpol, to crack down on smugglers.
Interpreters are assisting Gardaí to learn how the migrants accessed the refrigerated container—possibly breaking in to breathe during the dangerous journey.
“Our first response is always a humanitarian one — to check that they are alive and in good health, and my understanding is that they are,” said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. “They may apply for asylum or choose to return home voluntarily. We aim to fast-track any asylum claims.”
